At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide front-line housing advice and manage homelessness cases with legal expertise.
- Company: North Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to supporting the community.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, office-based work, and a chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Help vulnerable individuals find housing solutions and prevent homelessness.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing options and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 22 - 24 £ per hour.
Client: North Northamptonshire Council
Location: Kettering / Wellingborough offices
Office-based 4 days per week (non-negotiable). Only local candidates will be considered.
Contract Details:
- Duration: 3 months (initial)
- Working hours: 37 hours per week
- Rate: £28–£30 per hour (umbrella)
- IR35 Status: Inside IR35
- Start Date: ASAP
Service Area: Housing Options – Triage Team (Lot 8: Housing, Benefits & Planning)
Role Purpose: The Housing Options Advisor will work within the Housing Options Triage Team, providing front‑line housing advice and homelessness assessments. The role focuses on managing homeless and threatened‑with‑homelessness cases, making legally robust decisions in line with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996, and delivering high‑quality advice and support to customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as a Triage Officer, dealing with same‑day homeless approaches.
- Assess homelessness applications in accordance with Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
- Manage a varied caseload of customers who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- Provide clear, accurate housing advice and homelessness prevention support.
- Make statutory homelessness decisions, including not homeless and eligible determinations.
- Draft and issue clear, concise and legally compliant statutory decision letters.
- Negotiate with landlords, partner agencies, and internal stakeholders to resolve housing issues.
- Record casework accurately using the Jigsaw housing system.
- Work independently, prioritising workload effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
Essential:
- In‑depth knowledge of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996.
- Proven experience in a Housing Options, Homelessness, or Housing Advice role.
- Strong casework and decision‑making experience within a local authority setting.
- Ability to manage a complex and diverse caseload independently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce statutory decision letters.
Desirable:
- Experience using the Jigsaw housing management system.
- Experience working in a homelessness triage or front‑door service.
Confident and professional when dealing with vulnerable customers. Resilient and able to work under pressure. Organised, decisive, and detail‑oriented. Strong problem‑solving and negotiation skills.
Interview via Microsoft Teams.
Housing Options Advisor – AR in Kettering employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Options Advisor – AR in Kettering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the housing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 1996 and be ready to discuss how you’d handle real-life scenarios. Practising common interview questions can really help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! When you get the chance, highlight your experience with casework and decision-making. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed complex situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Options Advisor – AR in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with housing options and homelessness. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can produce clear statutory decision letters, so show us you can do that right from the start.
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills: Since the role involves making legally robust decisions, it’s important to demonstrate your decision-making experience. Share examples of past cases where you’ve had to make tough calls, and how you navigated those situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Housing Legislation
Make sure you brush up on Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996. Understanding the legal framework will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise in housing options and homelessness assessments.
✨Showcase Your Casework Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing a diverse caseload. Think of specific examples where you made robust decisions or provided effective advice, as this will highlight your ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, practice drafting clear and concise statutory decision letters. You might even want to role-play common scenarios with a friend to refine your negotiation skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Jigsaw
If you have experience using the Jigsaw housing management system, be ready to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research to understand its functionalities, as this could give you an edge in the interview.